Maureen O'Sullivan (Dublin Central, Independent) | Oireachtas source

Although ours is a small voice, we are respected and there is more we can do. It is good to hear that the Tánaiste met the Chinese Foreign Minister and that he has a relationship with the ambassador here. It is about keeping these matters on the agenda. The demands of the protestors are something we would take for granted here. They include the withdrawal of the word "riot" and unconditional release of arrested protestors without charge, as well as an independent inquiry into police behaviour and the implementation of genuine universal suffrage. There has been no real concession on the part of either Ms Lam or the Chinese Government; it is extremely unlikely that such a concession will come.

We have heard from China the way in which the Chinese media have portrayed what happened in Hong Kong. It certainly did not give a true account that the protestors were seeking democracy. We must be a stronger voice but I know trade is probably dictating our response.

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